Aggie women to face Wichita St. in NCAA tourney

COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M likely will face a former Big 12 foe in the NCAA tournament — but not the one many anticipated.

Third seed A&M, the Southeastern Conference tournament champions, will play host to No. 14 seed Wichita State starting 3 p.m. Saturday in Reed Arena. The College Station Regional also includes No. 6 Nebraska (the former Big 12 foe, now in the Big Ten) and No. 11 Chattanooga.

“I’m happy with (pairings), and happy with the four teams that are going to be here,” A&M coach Gary Blair said.

Should the Aggies advance as anticipated, they’ll take part in the Norfolk, Va., regional, and won’t face top-seeded Baylor in Oklahoma City. Many observers had figured the former Big 12 foes would be paired just north of the Red River because of its tremendous storyline.

The Aggies upset the Bears in 2011 en route to the national title. Baylor, led by star Brittney Griner, won the national championship last season. The Norfolk regional includes No. 1 seed Notre Dame and No. 2 seed Duke.